GIRLS TENNIS: Mercersburg Academy places second in MAPL Championships

BETHLEHEM >> Mercersburg Academy's girls tennis players advanced to the semifinals in every flight of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League Tournament on Saturday, leading the Blue Storm to a second-place finish in the team standings.

Alexandra Zhukova was the champion in the No. 4 singles flight, while Molly Widdoes was the runner-up in No. 2 singles. Emma Hicks placed third at No. 3 singles, and Kelsey Shields was fourth in No. 1 singles. Eliza Smith and Gabbie Albert teamed up to take fourth in the doubles flight.

"It was a great day of tennis for our girls and for the girls tennis program at Mercersburg," Blue Storm coach Michael Sweeney said. "The event really highlights how far we have come, individually and as a team, this season."

Zhukova won the No. 4 singles title in pretty dominating fashion. She took down her counterpart from Peddie, 6-1, 6-3, to begin the day, then beat Blair's Shoshanna Geller, 6-2, 6-1. She was challenged by Lawrenceville's Julia Dinmore, but eventually captured a 7-5, 6-2 victory.

"Alex prevailing over her Lawrenceville opponent, preventing the clean sweep for the Big Red, put an exclamation point on a charged season for the team," Sweeney said. "(It was) marked by outstanding performances and amazing outcomes that have almost become routine and expected."

At No. 3 singles, Hicks won her opener with ease, 6-1, 6-0, before falling to Blair's Katie Shook in a tiebreaker. She then defeated Peddie' Sharanya Thondapu, 6-4, 6-3, to capture third.

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